Roma

The Roma (also known as "gypsies") are an enigmatic group found on the margins of societies throughout Europe, most especially in Romania. From the controversial traditions surrounding marriage to the ostentatious palaces built by the Roma elite, they are the focus of considerable ire.

As wealthy as some Roma are, many others are quite impoverished, living literally on the edges of remote communities, including Haranglab. The divide between Roma and the rest of the population is probably even greater than the divide between Hungarian and Romanian populations. Shortly after our 2004 visit, I found a Dutch professor who was doing development work with the Roma of Haranglab. If I am able to reconnect with him, it might be interesting to learn about that aspect of the community.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports on a recent study of Roma discrimination by Amnesty International.

Protests in Transylvania

Our Partner Church network recently shared this news item, regarding protests in Transylvania related to autonomy for the Hungarian population there, of which members of our partner church in Haranglab are a part. We will be learning more about how exactly our partner congregation is affected by the evolving politics, but for now this article does provide an introduction to the current status.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130310/thousands-ethnic-hungarians-march-autonomy-romania

Turning to One Another

In this morning's order of service, Ellen Bordman -- our Dir. of religious education -- included a poem that she invited the entire congregation to read and contemplate during the coming week. It is by Margaret Wheatley and it is provided here for those who did not get a copy.

Turning to One Another

There is no power greater than the community discovering what it cares about
Ask what's possible
Not what's wrong
Keep asking.
Notice what you care about.
Assume that many others share your dreams.
Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.
Talk to people you know.
Talk to people you don't know.
Talk to people you never talk to.
Be intrigued by the differences you hear.
Expect to be surprised.
Treasure curiosity more than certainty.
Invite in everybody who cares to work on what's possible.
Acknowledge that everyone is an expert about something.
Know that creative solutions come from new connections.
Remember, you don't fear people whose story you know.
Real listening always brings people closer together.
Trust that meaningful conversations can change your world.
Rely on human goodness.
Stay together.